Does physical structure drive food safety behaviors of food handlers? A broken window theory perspective.

Abstract

The role of physical structure in food safety is often viewed as a resource for proper food handling practices and pest control. However, it is questioned if physical structure also
influences food handler behavior, drawing a parallel with the broken windows theory in criminology. This theory suggests structural flaws and disorder may contribute to negative
behaviors and a reduced willingness to intervene when deviant behavior occurs. The aim of this study was to measure the valence and extent of physical structure as a positive driver for different food safety behaviors in public school catering scenarios, following the broken windows theory perspective. A sample of 321 public school catering services was assessed using a validated risk assessment checklist and the data was provided to this study for further analysis. A structural equation model was designed to test whether physical structure drives food handler’s personal hygiene, food hygiene, ingredient storage and management and environmental hygiene. Food safety training and documents were included as control variables in the model. The results support the theory, demonstrating that physical structure acts as a driver for personal hygiene (ß=0.36; p<0.001), food hygiene (ß=0.23; p=0.001), ingredient storage and management (ß=0.09; p=0.01), and environmental hygiene (ß=0.49; p<0.001). These findings support the broken windows theory perspective within the food safety context, emphasizing the critical role of well-maintained physical environments in promoting safe food handling behavior.